PLAYING STRUCTURE, STORAGE SYSTEM MODULES THEREFOR

Abstract: A playing structure (80, 100, 120, 200) includes a plurality of playing structure modules (10) arrangeable to form an array having a generally continuous, visually fluid, three-dimensional playing surface. Each playing structure module (10) has a reversible top (60) to allow the topography of the playing surface (62, 64) to be changed. The top of each playing structure module has a different three-dimensional topography on either surface (62, 64) thereof. Each playing structure module (10) may have a different or the same top. The playing surfaces (62, 64) have a coloured landscape painted thereon to depict lakes, countrysides, roadways etc. and the like. The topography of the playing surfaces and the painted landscapes are designed so that the certain symmetries exist. In particular, when a plurality of playing structure modules (10) are arranged to form an array and the tops (60) of the playing structure modules are arranged to provide a playing surface having a continuous, visually fluid landscape, any one of or all of the tops can be reversed along a diagonal and the landscape of the resulting playing surface will still be continuous and visually fluid. This of course increases the number of different playing surfaces which can be created with the playing structure modules.

Description: PLAYING STRUCTURE, STORAGE SYSTEM MODULES THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to children's toys and in particular to a playing structure on which toys may be placed and moved thereon, a storage system for the toys and modules for use in the playing structure. BACKGROUND ART Many children's toys are available which allow a child to build structures such as houses and the like and in effect create cities. Of the toys of this nature, one of the most common are building blocks commonly referred to as Lego ® . These building blocks are best assembled on a playing surface where the child can move miniature vehicles, people and animals and rearrange the built structures. Unfortunately children have very few supportive and convenient places to play with the above type of toys. In most households, the playing surface referred to above is constituted by a free space on a hardwood floor, an unoccupied table top or desk surface and in some instances the top of a bed. Each of these types of playing surfaces when used for play is limited and is inconvenient in some way. Moreover, these playing surfaces do not encourage or suggest directions for a child's fantasy. It is solely up to the child's imagination to transform the otherwise plain surface into one which has a varying topography and landscape. Another disadvantage associated with these playing surfaces is that when the child is finished playing, the child's toys remain in the way. To alleviate some of the above-mentioned problems, playing surfaces having printed presentations on which toys are to be moved have been considered. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,206,887 to Eyler et al discloses a children's toy in the form of a pad having a number of pages. Printed on one side of most of the pages in the pad are roadways while on the other pages are representations of vehicles which can be punched out from the pages. The pages with roadways printed thereon also have different locations of interest drawn on them and a legend indicating the drawn area of interest. The roadways are drawn on the sheets in a manner so that the roadway is continuous when two sheets are properly oriented and placed side by side. Although this provides a playing surface with roadways, the surface itself is relatively plain and does not resemble real terrain. In addition, the planar nature of the sheets requires an underlying support and therefore, this toy still suffers from many of the disadvantages discussed previously. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel playing structure having a three-dimensional playing surface which resembles real terrain more closely than prior art playing surfaces and which is changeable to allow different playing surfaces to be created. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a playing structure module comprising: a reversible top; and a support to space vertically said top from the surface on which said support is located, said top having a pair of opposed playing surfaces, the opposed playing surfaces having a different three-dimensional topography and depicting a different landscape. Preferably, the three-dimensional topographies on the opposed playing surfaces of the reversible top are generally complimentary in configuration. Preferably, the support is in the form of a frame which is open at its sides and which supports a secondary surface below the reversible top. In one embodiment, the secondary surface is a shelf to provide storage space for a child's toys after the child has finished playing with the playing structure module. In another embodiment, the secondary surface constitutes a secondary playing surface and may be reversible to provide secondary playing surfaces with different topographies. In this instance, it is preferred that the reversible top has at least one passage therethrough to permit access to the secondary playing surface. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the frame and the reversible top have complimentary formations thereon to inhibit relative lateral movement between the frame and the reversible top. It is also preferred that the topographies of the playing surfaces are stepped to provide generally planar, horizontal surfaces at different elevations to provide support platforms for a child's toys. In another embodiment, it is preferred that the reversible top is constituted by a plurality of reversible top elements, each of the top elements including a pair of opposed playing surfaces with the opposed playing surfaces having a different three-dimensional topography and depicting a different landscape, the landscapes on each playing surface being depicted such that the landscape is visually fluid over the entire top when any one or all of the top elements are reversed. Preferably, the topographies on the top elements are configured such that when the top elements are arranged to provide a continuous, visually fluid landscape, the top elements must be reversed along a diagonal to create a different continuous, visually fluid landscape. It is also preferred that retaining means act between the support and the top elements. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a playing structure comprising: a plurality of playing structure modules arranged in an array, each of said modules including a support and a reversible top on said support and vertically spaced from the surface on which said support is located, said reversible top having a pair of opposed playing surfaces, the opposed playing surfaces having a different three-dimensional topography and depicting a different landscape, the landscapes on each playing surface being such that the landscape of said playing structure is continuous and visually fluid over adjacent playing surfaces when any one or all of said reversible tops are reversed. Preferably, the playing structure modules are arrangeable in arrays of varying configurations to allow different shaped playing surfaces to be created, all with continuous, visually fluid landscapes. It is also preferred that the topographies on the opposed playing surfaces of the reversible tops are configured such that when the playing structure modules are arranged to provide a continuous, visually fluid landscape, the tops must be reversed along a diagonal to create a different continuous, visually fluid landscape. It is also preferred that the tops must be reversed along a North-West, South-East diagonal to create a different continuous, visually fluid landscape. Preferably, the playing structure modules are formed in sets with each set depicting a unique setting. It is also preferred that the topographies on the opposed playing surfaces of the reversible tops of the playing structure modules in each set, are configured to permit identical sets of playing structure modules to be arranged in larger arrays while still providing a continuous, visually fluid landscape. It is also preferred that the topographies on the tops of the playing structure modules in each set are configured to permit different sets of playing structure modules to be arranged in larger arrays while still providing a continuous, visually fluid landscape. Preferably, the playing structure modules are stackable when separated from other playing structure modules in the playing structure to facilitate cleaning and storage. It is also preferred that the playing structure modules are stackable to create three dimensional playing structures. In this instance, it is preferred that at least some of the playing structure modules have a secondary playing surface below the reversible top and that at least some of the reversible tops provide access to the secondary playing surfaces via passages formed therethrough. This permits underwater and/or underground landscapes to be created. Preferably, the playing structure modules stacked on top of other playing structure modules are open on their sides to provide free access to the reversible tops on the playing structure modules below them. The present invention provides advantages in that the reversible top of each playing structure module allows different landscapes to be created while maintaining the visual fluidity of the overall landscape of the playing structure. Also, because the playing structure modules can be arranged with other playing structure modules, different size landscapes can be created making the variety and size of created landscapes virtually limitless. Because of this, the present invention forms a stage which provides direction and focus for a child's imagination. Also, because the playing surfaces of the playing structure modules are raised from the ground, the playing surfaces are at a convenient physical height for most children. More importantly, the toys placed on the playing structure are raised so that the child's point of view is as if he or she is among them. In addition, the present invention provides further advantages in that children's toys remain on the playing structure and may be stored on the playing surface or on the storage shelf when the child is finished playing. This avoids the problem associated with children spreading their toys around the household and speeds up the cleaning process significantly. Also, the design of the playing structure modules allows the modules to be stacked facilitating compact storage and house cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a playing structure module with its reversible top lifted therefrom; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a playing structure formed from a plurality of playing structure modules of the type shown in Figure 1 arranged in an array; Figure 3 is a top plan view of a playing structure formed from an array of six playing structure modules; Figure 4a is a top plan view of one column of the array of playing structure modules illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 4b is a bottom plan view of the tops of the playing structure modules shown in Figure 4a; Figure 5a is a top plan view of the other column of the array of playing structure modules illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 5b is a bottom plan view of the tops of the playing structure modules shown in Figure 5a; Figure 6 is a top plan view of the column of playing structure modules illustrated in Figure 4a with the top of one of the playing structure modules reversed along a diagonal; Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show top plan views of one of the tops of a playing structure module forming part of the playing structure of Figure 3 in a first condition, flipped over along an east-west axis and rotated counter¬ clockwise by 90° respectively; Figure 8 is a top plan view of the playing structure of Figure 3 with the tops of two playing structure modules reversed along a diagonal in the manner shown in Figures 7b and 7c respectively; Figure 9 is a top plan view of the playing structure shown in Figure 3 with the tops of all of the playing structure modules reversed along a diagonal; Figure 10 is a top plan view of a playing structure formed from four arrays of playing structures similar to those shown in Figure 3; Figure 11 is a top plan view of a playing structure formed from an alternative arrangement of a number of arrays of playing structures similar to those shown in Figure 3; Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a playing structure formed from a plurality of playing structure modules; and Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a playing structure module. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring now to Figure 1 , a playing structure module is shown and is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The module 10 includes a support frame 12 having four upstanding legs 14. The support frame 12 is open at its four sides and at its top. The open interior of the support frame 12 constitutes a storage area or secondary playing space 16. At the four top corners of the frame are integrally formed blocks 18 which define support surfaces 20. On the support surfaces are square projections 22. Near the bottom of each leg 14 is located an integrally formed block 24 adapted to support a removeable shelf 26 (see Figure 2). Removably supported on the top of the frame 12 is a reversible top 60 having playing surfaces 62, 64 on its opposed sides. On each playing surface near its four corners are square recesses 66 sized to receive the projections 22 to inhibit the top 60 from sliding when properly positioned on the frame 12. Each playing surface 62, 64 includes a multi-coloured, three-dimensional, topographic scene thereon. The topographic scenes are suggestive of a predetermined landscape but are not too specific allowing children to get more variety since they can easily redefine the landscapes for their own imaginative purposes. The topography on each playing surface 62, 64 is also stepped to provide generally planar, horizontal surfaces at different elevations and to minimize inclined surfaces. This provides playing platforms for miniature people, animals and vehicles used during a child's play. The topographic scene on each playing surface 62, 64 is different although they are basically complimentary in configuration. For example, the playing surface 62 has a landscape on it which resembles a mountainous terrain. On the opposite playing surface 64 which is unseen in Figure 1 , the landscape of the topographic scene resembles a terrain which is generally complimentary to that on playing surface 62. Other tops 60 may, for example, have ancient ruins on one playing surface 62 and a mountainous road on the opposite playing surface 64. The landscape and colouring of the playing surfaces 62, 64 of one top 60 are designed to interact with the playing surfaces 62, 64 of other tops on other playing structure modules 10. Figure 2 shows a playing structure 70 formed from a plurality of playing structure modules 10 arranged to form an array. To permit many different playing structure landscapes to be created, the playing structure modules 10 are made in sets with, in this example, each set including six playing structure modules 10. The sets of playing structure modules 10 have different topography designs on their tops 60 and represent different worlds. Therefore, one set of playing structure modules 10 may represent for example, an "Ancient World" while other sets may represent a "Dinosaur World" and a "City World" respectively. Figure 3 shows one set of playing structure modules 10 interconnected in a 3 X 2 array to form a playing structure 80 having a visually fluid, continuous landscape. The landscape includes a road 82 which winds across four of the playing surfaces 62. A platform 84 surrounded by water on one of the playing surfaces provides an ideal location for a toy castle surrounded by a moat. A mountain 86 is also provided on one playing surface 62 while a continuous waterway 88 extends across five of the six playing surfaces 62 in the set. Figure 4a shows the tops 60 of the playing structure modules 10 forming the first column of the playing structure 80 illustrated in Figure 3 while Figure 4b shows the playing surfaces 64 of the tops 60 of those same playing structure modules 10 which face the shelf 26 and remain unseen. Similarly, Figure 5a shows the tops 60 of the playing structure modules 10 forming the second column of the playing structure illustrated in Figure 3 while Figure 5b shows the playing surfaces 64 of the tops 60 of those same playing structure modules 10 which face the shelf 26 and remain unseen. The topographic scene on each playing surface of the playing surface modules 10 in each set are designed to exhibit a certain symmetry so that different continuous, visually fluid landscapes can be formed. In fact with a set of six playing structure modules 10, sixty-four different visually fluid landscapes can be created. Figure 6 shows a top plan view of the column of playing structure modules 10 illustrated in Figure 4a with the top 60' of the uppermost playing structure module reversed along a North-West, South-East diagonal. As can be seen, the resulting landscape of the three playing structure modules in the column 10 is still continuous and visually fluid although the castle platform 84 has been replaced by a different terrain having roads 90 which extend to islands and terminate at smaller platforms 92. Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show the manner in which the top 60' of the playing structure module 10 is moved to create the landscape illustrated in Figure 6. In particular, when changing the playing structure module from that shown in Figure 4a to that shown in Figure 6, the top 60' of the playing structure module simply needs to be reversed along the North-West, South-East diagonal. This movement of the top is broken down into its constituents in Figures 7b and 7c. Once the top 60' has been reversed along its diagonal, the top 60' can be placed on the frame 12 of the playing structure module and the landscape will still be visually fluid. Figure 8 is a top plan view of the playing structure 80 shown in Figure 3 with the tops 60a and 60b of the playing structure modules reversed along their North-West, South-East diagonal. Figure 9 on the other hand shows the playing structure 80 of Figure 3 with the tops 60 of all of the playing structure modules 10 reversed along their North-West, South-East diagonal. The landscapes depicted on the playing surfaces 62, 64 of the playing surface modules 10 in each set are also designed so that continuous, visually fluid landscapes can be created by arranging two or more sets of playing structure modules 10. Figure 10 shows a top plan view of four identical sets 80 of playing structure modules 10 (the same as the set shown in Figure 3) interconnected to form a larger playing structure 100 while still depicting a continuous, visually fluid landscape. As can be seen, to create this landscape, two sets of playing structure modules 10 have been rotated 180°. It should be apparent that the tops 60 of any one of playing structure modules 10 forming the playing structure 100 may be reversed along a diagonal in the manner described previously, to create a new continuous and visually fluid landscape. This allows a significant number of different landscapes to be created and with the addition of more playing structure modules 10 or sets thereof, the variation of potential landscapes is virtually limitless. Figure 11 shows a top plan view of yet another larger playing structure 120 formed from a number of playing structure modules. In particular, playing structure 120 includes two sets 80 of playing structure modules offset with respect to one another and separated by one column 122 of another set 80 of playing structure modules, the column of which is rotated 180° with respect to the other sets of playing structure modules. In use, the various playing structure modules 10 in the set simply need to be arranged within the room in which they are located to form a playing structure having the desired configuration. The tops 60 of the modules can then be arranged to create a continuous, visually fluid landscape by lifting the tops 60 from the frames 12 and reversing them along a diagonal as desired. Once one continuous, visually fluid landscape has been created, others are possible by reversing any one of tops 60 along a North-West, South-East diagonal. The design of the tops 60 facilitate the creation of different landscapes by children using the playing structure. Once created, toys can be placed on the playing surfaces and moved as desired. The varying three-dimensional topography of the individual playing surfaces 62, 64 respectively provides a stage which promotes a child's imagination and entertains them for extended periods of time. When the child is finished playing with the playing structure, the toys can be removed from the playing surfaces and stored on the shelf 26 of one or more playing structure modules. If necessary, after a child is finished playing and the toys are stored on a shelf or shelves 26, the playing structure modules 10 can be stacked in a convenient location out of the way. This of course facilitates the cleaning process. Referring now to Figure 12, an alternative embodiment of an array 200 of playing structure modules is shown. In this embodiment, like reference numerals will be used to indicate like components with a """ added for clarity. As can been seen, the playing structure modules 10" are stacked not for the purpose of storage, but rather to create a three dimensional playing structure. The lower playing structure modules 10" in the array are basically the same as that shown in Figure 1. However, on some of the modules 10" in the array 200, the shelf 26" has been replaced with a playing surface 202. Similar to the playing surfaces 62 and 64, the playing surface 202 has a three dimensional topography on it which can be arranged to create a visually fluid topographic scene with the playing surfaces 202 on adjacent playing structure modules 10". The playing surface 202 may also be reversible to allow the topography constituted by the playing surfaces 202 to be varied. On top of at least some of the playing structure modules 10" are other playing structure modules 204 having a slightly different design. The modules 204 are open on their sides and do not include a shelf. Therefore, when the playing structure modules 204 are placed on top of another module 10" or 204, the reversible top 60" on that module is exposed. The modules 204 also have projections on the bottom of their legs which are complimentary to the recesses at the corners of the reversible tops 60" to inhibit lateral movement between stacked modules. The modules 204 may also come in different heights to provide a stepped playing surface as illustrated. Side panels 206 may be attached to the sides of one or more of the modules 10" and 204". When creating a three dimensional playing structure 200, the playing surfaces 62", 64" of the reversible tops 60" on at least some of the playing structure modules 204 are provided with ladders, trap doors and the like to provide access to the playing surfaces on the playing structure modules below them. For example, in Figure 12, one of the playing structure modules 204, has a ladder 210 which extends between the different height modules 204. Although not shown, passages, trap doors and the like may be formed in the playing surfaces of any of the modules 10" and 204 respectively. This arrangement of playing structure modules allows alternative themes to be created. In particular, the playing surfaces 202 and the playing surfaces on the reversible tops 60" of modules 10" on which a module 204 is located, can be designed to have an underground or underwater theme with the playing surfaces of the uppermost playing structure modules having a ground or sea level theme thereon. If side panels 206 are used, they can be coloured to suit the theme of the playing structure 200. Referring now to Figure 13, yet another embodiment of a playing structure module is shown. In this embodiment, like reference numerals will be used to indicate like components with a "'"" added for clarity. The playing structure module 10"' has a reversible top 60'" formed of smaller, reversible top elements 60a. Each top element 60a has a playing surface on both of its major sides. The reversible top elements 60a can be re-arranged in the same manner as the reversible tops 60 to create different three dimensional topographies on a single playing structure module 10'" of a smaller scale then those of the previous embodiments. When using the top elements 60a to form a playing surface on the module, a retention frame 300 is interposed between frame 14" and the top elements. It has been found that the topography of the playing structure in combination with the toys a children places thereon suggests directions and presents tensions which children quickly absorb into their play. Also, the playing structure changes when different toys are placed on it and are utilized differently by different children. Not only is the present invention versatile in the sense that the playing surface of the playing structure can be changed but also in that the playing surface of the playing structure changes depending on the types of toys used on it. Although the frame of the playing structure module has been described as being one piece, it should be apparent to one of skill in the art that various frame designs can be used to support the top above the ground while allowing the top to be reversed to change the playing surface. It should also be realized that playing structure modules having reversible tops of different geometric shapes can be provided while ensuring that the topographic design on the playing surfaces of the tops permit playing structures to be placed side by side with the playing surfaces on adjacent playing structures creating a continuous, visually fluid landscape.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A playing structure module comprising: a reversible top; and a support to space vertically said top from the surface on which said support is located, said top having a pair of opposed playing surfaces, the opposed playing surfaces having a different three-dimensional topography and depicting a different landscape. 2. A playing structure module as defined in claim 1 wherein the three- dimensional topographies on said opposed playing surfaces are generally complimentary in configuration. 3. A playing structure module as defined in claim 2 wherein said support is in the form of a frame having an open interior and supporting a shelf located below said top, said shelf being accessible through at least one side of said frame. 4. A playing structure module as defined in claim 3 wherein said shelf is accessible from all sides of said frame. 5. A playing structure module as defined in claim 1 wherein said frame and said playing surfaces have complimentary formations thereon to inhibit relative lateral movement therebetween. 6. A playing structure module as defined in claim 1 wherein said support is in the form of a frame having an open interior and supporting a secondary playing surface having a three-dimensional topography thereon below said top. 7. A playing structure module as defined in claim 6 wherein said top has at least one passage therethrough to permit access to said secondary playing surface. 8. A playing structure comprising: a plurality of playing structure modules arranged in an array, each of said modules including a support and a reversible top on said support and vertically spaced from the surface on which said support is located, said top having a pair of opposed playing surfaces, the opposed playing surfaces having a different three-dimensional topography and depicting a different landscape, the landscapes on each playing surface being depicted such that the landscape is visually fluid over adjacent playing surfaces when any one or all of said tops are reversed. 9. A playing structure as defined in claim 8 wherein said playing structure modules being arrangeable in arrays of varying configurations to allow different shaped playing surfaces to be created all with continuous, visually fluid landscapes. 10. A playing structure as defined in claim 9 wherein the topographies on said tops are configured such that when said playing structure modules are arranged to provide a continuous, visually fluid landscape, said tops must be reversed along a diagonal to create a different continuous, visually fluid landscape. 11. A playing structure as defined in claim 8 wherein said playing structure modules are formed in sets with each set depicting a unique setting. 12. A playing structure as defined in claim 11 wherein the topographies on the tops of the playing structure modules in each set are configured to permit identical sets of playing structure modules to be arranged in larger arrays while still providing a continuous, visually fluid landscape. 13. A playing structure as defined in claim 12 wherein the topographies on the tops of the playing structure modules in each set are configured to permit different sets of playing structure modules to be arranged in larger arrays while providing a continuous, visually fluid landscape. 14. A playing structure as defined in claim 13 wherein the topographies on said tops are configured such that when said playing structure modules are arranged to provide a continuous, visually fluid landscape, said tops must be reversed along a diagonal to create a different continuous, visually fluid landscape. 15. A playing structure as defined in claim 8 wherein the support of each playing structure module is in the form of a frame having an open interior, the frames of at least some of said playing structure modules supporting a secondary surface below said top. 16. A playing structure as defined in claim 15 wherein said secondary surface has a three dimensional topography therein to constitute a secondary playing surface. 17. A playing structure as defined in claim 16 wherein at least one top has at least one passage therethrough to permit access to said secondary playing surface. 18. A playing structure as defined in claim 17 wherein said playing structure modules are stackable. 19. A playing structure as defined in claim 18 wherein said playing structure modules are stackable to create three dimensional arrays and wherein modules placed vertically on top of other playing structure modules provide access to the reversible tops of the modules below them. 20. A playing structure as defined in claim 8 wherein said playing surfaces are stepped to provide generally planar, horizontal surfaces at different elevations. 21. A playing structure module as defined in claim 1 wherein said playing surfaces are stepped to provide generally planar, horizontal surfaces at different elevations. 22. A playing structure module as defined in claim 1 wherein said reversible top is constituted by a plurality of reversible top elements, each of said top elements including a pair of opposed playing surfaces with the opposed playing surfaces having a different three-dimensional topography and depicting a different landscape, the landscapes on each playing surface being depicted such that the landscape is visually fluid over the entire top when any one or all of said top elements are reversed. 23. A playing structure module as defined in claim 22 wherein the topographies on said top elements are configured such that when said top elements are arranged to provide a continuous, visually fluid landscape, said top elements must be reversed along a diagonal to create a different continuous, visually fluid landscape. 24. A playing structure module as defined in claim 23 further including retaining means acting between said support and said top elements.

Inventors: DE CHAZAL ROBERT, DE CHAZAL, ROBERT
Applicants: ALBERTA LTD 550058, 550058 ALBERTA LIMITED
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A63F9
IPC codes: A63F9, A63H33